Inspired by the HBO movie "Confirmation" today we discuss physical abuse, sexual abuse, abuse of power and the necessity to escape abuse with a savvy, strategic self-preserving plan and assistance. Anita Hill as portrayed in "Confirmation" by actress Kerry Washington, known for her staring role in Scandal, images a calm, educated, self-aware, gracious and savvy woman who greeted the unwanted sexual conversations from Justice Clarence Thomas with rationale and social awareness. Anita Hill's bravery and straight-forward discussion of the events led to an increased awareness that women are to be treated with respect in all domains of life, work, home, and in media. This pertinent discussion casts its shadows on the current signs of misogyny embedded in the antagonistic attacks by Donald Trump on women in general and public figures in particular when he freely and openly ridicules women for their intelligence, beauty co-efficients, qualifications, training, education and experience. He unwarrantedly and openly attacks professionals including highly educated, experienced and knowledgeable individuals like Hillary Clinton. This is not about politics but about equality of male and female expressions of respect and what role women play in that on-going, and improving dialogue about overt, violent and covert forms of abuse.

Dr. Carol Francis has worked with abuse in marriages, work place and families for over 38 years. She is a licensed Clinical Psychologist, Marriage, Family and Child Therapist, Certified Hypnotherapist. Her in-person work is in the South Bay Los Angeles Beach Cities can be accessed at DrCarolFrancis.com, 310-543-1824.